Revised Covid-19 Policy
Moving forwards under new Government Guidelines read my updated policy
Following the Prime Minister’s speech outlining the next stage of lockdown, I have revised my policy of dealing with Covid-19 within the context of the day to day running of my Estate Agency business:
Valuations
My thinking here is that under most circumstances I can now conduct valuations in person under the following conditions:
- I will attend wearing gloves and a mask
- Social distancing must be observed at all times
- The client can wait in the garden (or street/ communal grounds) while I assess the property
- If I am visiting a family, where possible children/dogs should be taken out by the other parent/carer
- On completion of the assessment, I will discuss the valuation outside with the client at a safe distance. If the weather or other conditions prevent this, then we can follow up via a Zoom or Whatsapp meeting.
- Vulnerable or Shielding people should not come into contact with anyone outside of their household, and so under these circumstances I feel an appointment in person is still inappropriate. I am happy to conduct a valuation for people under these conditions via Facebook/Whatsapp video.
Viewings
I feel I am now in a position to offer accompanied viewings, under strict controls:
- I will attend wearing a mask and gloves
- Applicants must also wear a mask and gloves, to be provided by themselves.
- Applicants must meet me at the property.
- If viewing more than one property the applicants must make their own travel arrangements or book separate times/dates for each viewing
- Applicants must not bring Children or Dogs with them
- A maximum of two adults, plus myself, per viewing
- Applicants must not open cupboards, drawers etc
- Where a property is occupied, the sellers or tenants must not be present, and they must take Children and Dogs out of the property
- Social distancing must be observed at all times
- Viewings by video/social media can also be provided
Read the latest trade bulletin:
While the housing market in England will remain open, the Welsh government has put all viewings on hold. Housing Secretary Robert Jenrick took to social media to confirm that renters and homeowners in England will be able to move and removal firms, tradespeople, and estate agents can still operate by going inside homes.
Writing on Twitter, Jenrick said: “Housing market update ahead of Thursday’s measures: Renters & homeowners will be able to move; Removal firms and estate agents can operate; Construction sites can and should continue; Tradespeople will be able to enter homes “But all must follow the Covid safety guidance.”
Jenrick added that “all parties involved should continue to play their part in reducing the spread of the virus by following the current guidance”.
That includes following social distancing rules, wearing PPE including masks and gloves, having sellers leave the property during a viewing, which can only last for 15 minutes, and to have as few people looking at the property as possible.
He continued: “Tradespeople like electricians, plumbers, repairers of domestic appliances can enter your home. They will need to follow social distancing guidance that has already been published.”
Many thanks, and stay safe
